Canadian Police Association has real campaign ‘Cops for Kids’ Safety’

A local telemarketing scam the RCMP recently warned about has similarities to a legitimate campaign being run by the Canadian Police Association.

Last week, The Telegram reported on a phone scam whereby a caller tells people they are soliciting money to fund an anti-bullying book the RCMP is developing.

The caller requests donations of $100-$300.

If a person refuses to provide credit card information over the phone or asks that an information package be sent through the mail, the callers says they are transferring the person to another agent and the line is disconnected.

The RCMP said last week it never takes part in any type of phone solicitation for funds and to hang up if you receive such a call.

However, the Canadian Police Association (CPA) has a legitimate campaign that could be confused with the one the RCMP is warning about.

CPA membership includes police personnel from across Canada serving in small towns and large municipalities. Describing itself as the national voice for 52,000 police personnel, it includes representatives from the RCMP, railway police, and First Nations’ police.

It also does fundraising, specifically in this case, for a campaign called Cops for Kids’ Safety.

Terry Kidd is with iMarketing Solutions Group Inc., the parent group of Front Line Support. Front Line Support works with clients to create fundraising programs and is the group that handles the Cops for Kids Safety program.

“It’s a national appeal, so we do contact households across Canada and we ask for support on the program and it’s a financial support request,” says Kidd.

Cops for Kids Safety educates about safety online, at home and in school.

“Part of the appeal is that there is an anti-bullying presentation, but we don’t solicit (for) any type of safety magazine or book,” says Kidd.

Anti-bullying may be mentioned as part of the Cops for Kids Safety campaign, but that’s where the similarities between it and the anti-bullying scam the RCMP warned about end.